Where’s Bixby?

Bicyclist headed cross country with his dog

January 21, 2014

Pine Islanders, and area residents, should keep their eyes peeled for Mike Minnick and his best friend, Bixby, bicycling on Stringfellow Road. They are easy to spot because Bixby is Mike's dog.

"Yesterday we rode down to St. James City and I have to tell you this place is beautiful," Minnick said. "We've rode over 3,300 miles together so far. We left Lubbock, Maine, Sept. 7 and rode south along the east coast until we reached Key West on Christmas Day.

"I found Bixby four years ago in an animal shelter in Austin, Texas," he continued. "She was only 3 months old at the time and we've been together ever since.

Article Photos

Ed Franks

Mike Minnick and his traveling companion Bixby on Pine Island.

"I was born in Tulsa, Okla., but was raised in Austin, Texas. I met some people in the Big Bend National Park area who had taken two years to bicycle across the country. For 10 weeks I got to pick their brains and listen to their stories and right there I decided this is what I want to do this big epic adventure. And I want to do it with my best friend Bixby."

Bixby rides in a well cushioned container mounted on the back of the bicycle. Along the side it says "Where's Bixby.com"

"I think we will be setting off for California in a few days," Minnick said. "People should follow us on our 'Where's Bixby' Facebook page.

"This has been the most fun thing I've ever done," said Minnick. "It's kind of an adventure of a lifetime. I don't want to stop."